The ability to hang on to good feelings is an important aid to our emotional well-being, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Those struggling with depression, for example, find that surges of pleasure fade like shooting stars instead of providing a lasting glow.

We need mental health reform. We need more programs that reach out to the young, before problems can take hold and before substances such as drugs and alcohol become a way to medicate away distressing feelings.

Research shows that identifying high-risk drinkers and spending some time explaining to them the dangers of alcohol use, their responsibility for change and available treatment options can reduce future trauma visits by almost half. Blood alcohol tests rope in some who don’t need the help and misses others who do. More effective — 20% more effective, according to a new stu

How well a school responds to its students’ mental health needs can be literally lifesaving, and that’s not just for the students already dealing with concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Many mental health issues first emerge in early adulthood, and college - with its stresses, competition and disconnect from familiar support network

For too long, he said, harsh mandatory sentencing guidelines, mostly involving drug use, have been disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor, and costing both those who are imprisoned and the society paying for that imprisonment far too much.

Cynicism feels protective. A little cynicism, however, goes a long way. Too much mistrust and cynics find themselves losing more than they gain. If you default to cynicism in your thinking and interactions, make an effort to tap into your more optimistic side.